13 Cheap Vacation Destinations

Enjoy a true vacation and still have money left over for the next trip.

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Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara, CA

This not-so-crowded beach town is the perfect mix of rugged and refined. Hike along the beachfront Cabrillo Bike Path, ride the antique carousel at Chase Palm Park, and see the elephants at the Santa Barbara Zoo. If you have time without the children, sip your way across downtown Santa Barbara's (walkable) Urban Wine Trail.

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Rincon, Puerto Rico

Rincon, Puerto Rico

You won't need a passport to visit this sweet little beach town on the far western tip of the American island in the Caribbean. Learn to surf on small-medium waves that are perfect for newbies, visit the historic Punta Higuero lighthouse, and take in the infamous seaside sunsets—all activities that are totally free.

Santa Barbara, CA

This not-so-crowded beach town is the perfect mix of rugged and refined. Hike along the beachfront Cabrillo Bike Path, ride the antique carousel at Chase Palm Park, and see the elephants at the Santa Barbara Zoo. If you have time without the children, sip your way across downtown Santa Barbara's (walkable) Urban Wine Trail.

Sergio Paris/Getty Images

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Rincon, Puerto Rico

You won't need a passport to visit this sweet little beach town on the far western tip of the American island in the Caribbean. Learn to surf on small-medium waves that are perfect for newbies, visit the historic Punta Higuero lighthouse, and take in the infamous seaside sunsets—all activities that are totally free.

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Portland, OR

The city is so full of crunchy hipsters that it spawned a satirical television show, but there's more to be found in the Pacific Northwest than the denizens of Portlandia. Portland is a major city surrounded by lush green pine trees and the snowy peak of nearby Mount Hood. A thriving arts scene plus tons of outdoor activities mean it's a location both town and country mice can agree on.

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New Orleans, LA

The Big Easy's biggest attractions come very cheap. The French Quarter is entirely walkable, marching bands parade randomly down the streets, and performers croon on every corner. As for eating and drinking, and a plate of beignets at Cafe Du Monde is less than $3 and martinis at the famed Commander's Palace restaurant are $0.25 during lunch.

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Steamboat Springs, CO

More laid-back than chichi Vail and Aspen, this is the spot for a family ski trip. Why? Kids 12 and under ski free when parents or grandparents purchase at least five days' worth of lift tickets. While you're here, go snow tubing at Howelsen Hill, or try snowbiking (picture a mountain bike with skis instead of wheels). Then hightail it to the Old Town Hot Springs for some mineral-pool therapy.

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Montreal, Canada

Ready to visit our neighbors in the north? Montreal is a great place to start, as it combines the best of new and old world culture. Check out the spectacular French architecture of the Basilique Notre-Dame or Oratoire St-Joseph, and walk the cobblestoned streets of old Montreal. Like going to Bordeaux or Avignon, but way cheaper!

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Philadelphia, PA

At just 25 blocks, river to river, this history-drenched city is amazingly walkable. Along the way, don't miss the Betsy Ross House and the Liberty Bell in the oldest part of town. Have the kids plop down on any of the 13 storytelling benches, where trained actors break down the early history of the United States (you can spot them by their polo shirts). Afterward, head to the retro-cute ice cream shop the Franklin Fountain for milkshakes... and candy... and fudge. Still have energy? Hit up one of Philly's 180-plus museums, including the Please Touch Museum, where kids are encouraged to put their hands on anything in sight.

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Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Enjoy a trip to Mexico that doesn't require sitting with the other Americans at giant, all-inclusive resorts. Puerto Escondido is a haven for outdoorsy types, who can snorkel, surf, kayak, boat, and ride horseback for much less than you'd find in Acapulco or Los Cabos.

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Reykjavik, Iceland

This strange little island nation has seen an explosion in American tourism in recent years, due to cheap flights and an abundance of fun, free activities in the peculiar landscape (like viewing the northern lights!). Consider it the least expensive way to visit the moon.

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Moab, UT

Two national parks — Arches and Canyonlands — as well as Dead Horse Point State Park will have your gang hiking, biking, and climbing all over Moab's gorgeous red-rock landscape. Don't miss the Delicate Arch trail and Upheaval Dome, a 60 million-year-old, three-mile-long crater. And for an adrenaline rush, take in the scenery from a 4x4 Hummer Safari, or leave terra firma and spend a day rafting on the Colorado River.